Day 39 : 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Helpful Background Information: 

• In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, the Apostle Paul gives pastoral advice to Timothy, the main leader of the church in Ephesus. He tells Timothy to instruct the wealthy members of his congregation. What is important to note is that Paul doesn't tell the rich to give up their wealth. Instead, he first warns them about the dangers of being rich and then teaches them how they should steward their wealth. 

• Paul then outlines two primary dangers with wealth: false pride and false security. Rather, Paul commands the rich to do good and be generous; they are not to fix their hopes on uncertain riches but on God the giver and on that most valuable of all his gifts, the treasure of eternal life

• Paul’s commands in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 can help us understand the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4. Jesus explains a little later the meaning of the seed sown in rocky ground, where the “worries of this age and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Paul wants the wealthy in Ephesus to avoid being this rocky solid, and focus on what truly matters: eternal life with Jesus. 

Reflection Questions: 

• Reflecting on 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and the Parable of the Sower, what "worries of this age" or "desires for other things" might be choking the Word in your life? How can you guard against allowing these distractions to take root in Christ and grow?

• Paul encourages the wealthy not to place their hope in “uncertain riches,” but in God. How can you strengthen your trust in God rather than in material things? What are some steps you can take to remind yourself of the ultimate security found in Him?